He was being lookedafter by friends of Mr and Mrs Redfern as they were at a wedding reception.

They had covered many miles since Sunday, driving and wandering the streets looking for Harley.

Martyn and Jemma Redfern are full of joy and relief after they have been reunited with their dog Harley, who has been missing since Saturday.

Mr Redfern was worried that Harley had been stolen, adding: “He’s an entire dog, he hasn’t been neutered and there’s apparently dog-napping going on in the area.”

This comes as the Country Land and Business Association Ltd (CLA) release a warning to dog-owners to keep their pooches secure this summer as many dogs are being targeted by thieves to sell, breed or fight.

A report by DogLost.co.uk, a website which helps reunite owners with lost animals, reveals that 160 labradors were registered as missing in the UK in the first quarter of 2014.

I was the golfer who spotted the dog on the St Clements course,until I read the report on my tablet,I did not realise that was the missing dog,great result in the end,would love to see him a bit closer and have a cuddle,I am a bit of a softy with labrodors

So pleased Harley has been found. We bumped into his owner today on Priory Heath estate while walking our dogs. He was delivering flyers door to door asking people to look out for Harley and he looked distraught. He must be so happy to have him back. All the best To Harley's mum and dad :)